NAIDOC
Next generation now: voices for justice
This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week – five decades of celebrating the strength, vision and legacy of First Nations people.
In 2025, the theme "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy" calls on all of us to recognise the trailblazers who came before, celebrate the powerful leaders of today, and support those forging the path forward.
Next generation now
This week we’re passing our social channels to two of our clients, exceptional young advocates for First Nations justice and climate justice: Zhanāe Dodd and Connor Wright.
From their unique perspectives and lived experience, Zhanāe and Connor are both bringing fierce commitment, sharp insight and deep cultural grounding to some of the most urgent issues facing our communities and climate today. They are leaders, listeners, organisers and storytellers – and they are helping to shape the just future we all deserve.
This duo is part of Generation Justice, a group of nine young people from across the continent working with Environmental Justice Australia to hold the Australian government accountable. In April, Generation Justice lodged a human rights complaint with the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change, calling out Australia’s failure to protect young people’s rights to life, health, culture and a safe future.
Throughout this week, Zhanāe and Connor will be sharing moving yarns, reflecting on the links between First Nations justice and climate justice, and sewing some inspiring visions for the decades ahead.
Hey Zhanāe!
Zhanāe Dodd is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Ghungalu, Wadja, Kaanju, Birri, Wiri and Wungun peoples, belonging to the Gurubil skingroup. She grew up on Darumbal Country in Rockhampton, with strong family ties to the region.
Zhanāe is the founder of Burri Energy, a sustainable start-up advancing renewable solutions grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing; Guyala Yimba, a consultancy centring cultural leadership; and co-founder of Yoora Maltha, an advocacy group fighting for human rights protections in domestic law. She is also a songwoman, dancer and storyteller.
"We need to stop making Country yell for help – and start listening again.”
– Zhanāe Dodd
Hi Connor!
Connor Wright, whose cultural name is Djindjbad, is a proud Larrakia man from Garramilla/Darwin. He grew up surrounded by family, learning from his grandmother and other Elders as they collected longbums and mudcrabs in the mangroves. That deep connection to Country continues to shape his advocacy today.
Now based in Naarm/Melbourne, Connor is a researcher and climate justice advocate. He has worked in environmental consulting and recently completed a Master of Environment, where he developed a framework for meaningful First Nations engagement in climate policy.
"When climate change disrupts those patterns, it doesn’t just affect the environment, it disrupts our culture."
– Connor Wright
Follow this NAIDOC Week
Starting today, Zhanāe and Connor will be sharing reflections about their connection to Country, what justice means to them, what gives them strength – and what kind of future they’re fighting for.
We invite you to read, reflect, share and take action in ways that work for you.
Because legacy isn’t just something we inherit. It’s something we build, together. )
Learn more about NAIDOC week here, including the 2025 NAIDOC awards and other events happening near you.
Find out more about Generation Justice’s complaint to the UN special rapporteur on climate change here.
Our Treaty Pledge
At Environmental Justice Australia, we believe in justice, dignity and self-determination for all peoples – and we know this truth:
There can be no environmental justice without justice for First peoples.
